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When I first started BTD I purposely did not worry about portion sizes; I simply ate only Highly Beneficial or Beneficial foods for an O-Nonnnie with Arthritis. I'm now getting ready for the next step, and I'm wondering if anybody uses a scale or other device for measuring correctly to recomend to me.

I have heard some say to look at sizes--like a deck of cards, or a palm size amount of protein. For some reason. my spatial concept abilities are somewhat limited, and I find that method of measuring difficult.

Any suggestions will be most welcomed--I'm afraid that without a method of standard measurement I'll end up eating more than I should.

Love to All,

Myra.

Posted by: Alia Vo, Monday, November 20, 2006, 9:20pm; Reply: 1

I own measuring cups for cooking, but seldom use them. I do use measuring spoons for measuring my oils. It is easier for me to trust a tool for measuring than using my spatial estimations in regards to pouring olive oil over my food.

I do own and use a small kitchen scale which my mum used for her baking needs, which she gave to myself.

I encourage you to find a method that works for yourself that you are comfortable using--either the eyeballing method or using measuring tools/appliances.

For meat, I always check the weight on the package before I cook it... like if I get a one pound roast, I know that I'll want to cut it into about 4 servings to be within the reccommended portion size... also, sometimes I serve myself food in little bowls (actually, they're japanese tea cups - the kind with no handles), so I know that it's a six ounce serving... easier than measuring and transferring to another dish.

I weigh and measure every meal. I have worked with a nutritionist for 10 meals. She helps me with a food plan. I use a scale and eyeball when I go out or to someone's house. It takes the mystery out of it. I have an electronic scale that measures with the use of the plate. You can order it on line for about 40$. I hope this helps.

I measure my meals too. I have a small weighing scale as well as measuring cups. But to determine how much you must eat, I think you'll have to listen to your body. I noticed that I needed 150gms of beef for bfast, 50gms beef for lunch and 50gms fish for dinner. Previously for lunch I was eating 100gms beef & for dinner 100gms fish, but I got dehydrated very badly despite all the fluid, oil, veg & fruit intake. With the current volumes, I feel balanced and all systems are functioning well.

I think that when you start seeing for yourself how much each portion really works out to, it becomes easier on the eye for estimating your needs while dining out.

-accidental chef

Posted by: Lola, Tuesday, November 21, 2006, 7:26pm; Reply: 5

and don t forget that your stomach is initially the size of your fist!!

it does have the capacity to become much larger........)

the 5 or 6 mini meals a day helped me personally reduce my stomach capacity......now I just need two meals a day, and a snack for dinner.......if I know I have a dinner invitation, I will have my snack for lunch instead, but I just can t eat three full meals a day anymore.

Posted by: Victoria, Tuesday, November 21, 2006, 7:32pm; Reply: 6

How nice when our stomachs have the opportunity to shrink back to their normal sizes. Remember, for longevity, eat fewer calories and more superior nutritional value.

Posted by: Lola, Tuesday, November 21, 2006, 10:05pm; Reply: 7

absolutely! )

Posted by: MyraBee, Wednesday, November 22, 2006, 12:48am; Reply: 8

Thank you so much for all of your encouragement!

I, too, really feel the need to weigh and measure, although that is not usually my personality to be so rigid! However, I really want to succeed at this, so will check around for a electronic scale. We have a Williams-Sonoma here in Wichita, so I'm going to check with them first.

I've got a really big appointment Out of State next Monday, and I want to go to it totally on track with the BTD! Wish me luck!

Love,

Myra.

Posted by: Victoria, Wednesday, November 22, 2006, 1:12am; Reply: 9

Have a great and healthy trip, Myra!

Posted by: Alia Vo, Wednesday, November 22, 2006, 3:04am; Reply: 10

Have a good trip, Myra.

Measuring portions for various foods helps to keep one on track and in tune of the portion/frequency guidelines; so one does not have to second guess anything.

In regards to proteins such as tofu or red meat, it can be a challenge intitially to realize how much 2, 4 or 6 ounces may be. This is especally true for those that eat out frequently, because many restaurants tend to serve larger portion sizes such as 10 ounce steaks and oversized potatoes.